Hundreds of brave swimmers and dippers are set to plunge into the freezing sea off Bridlington North Beach on Christmas Day to raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society.
This year marks the 56th annual Christmas Day Dip and is once again held in memory of Warwick Connelly who instigated the event in the 1960’s with a group of friends .
Warwick’s family still take part in the event with several memebers taking the plunge again this year.
The dip is believed to be one of the longest running sea swims in the region.
To keep the tradition going, a socially distanced swim took place in 2020 to abide by the Government imposed restrictions that were in force at the time due to the pandemic.
This year, the organisers are hoping to attract as many people as possible to the North Beach for the morning dip.
Steve Tighe, who took over the running of the event several years ago, will again be organising this year – along with others to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his father, Roger who sadly passed way earlier this year.
Said Steve: “This is a special event for myself and the family and many other families in this community who have watched their loved ones suffer at the hands of this awful, debilitating disease.”
Meeting time is 9.45am and after a safety briefing swimmers will then run down to the water and take the plunge at w10.am.
This year the theme is blue and white with a suggested donation for those who are taking part of £5.00. Those who wish to take part are asked to bring warm clothing to use after the dip.
Everyone is welcome to go to watch the splashing spectacular and show their support – and even join in if they wish.
Last year, the event raised £1217.89 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance appeal, with the two local mascots making an appearance on the beach.
